Tech Journal

Apps, Hardware, Gear

Quadro App Review

It seems like shortly after the release of the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, an app called Quadro came onto my radar. The app page touted it as being an alternative to buying a new MacBook pro with a touch bar. I decided to see if it was actually worth using. It was extremely helpful, heres how.

Versatile & Intuitive

Presets are the basis of Quadro. It features presets for many popular applications. Many of these popular applications catering to audio and visually creative people. Additionally, you can create a screen of presets for any application installed on your computer and that Quadro is able to communicate with.

It's intuitive because it switches applications when you do. It gets better though, when you open an applications screen in Quadro, that application also launches on your computer. Time saving buttons are always there when you need them.

Colorful

Gradients and bright colors are on trend right now. Quadro has a wonderful selection of bright colors and aesthetically pleasing gradients to help you differentiate all your pads from each other.

Time Saving

Quadro helps you save time. Instead of dragging your mouse and clicking buttons, you give the necessary function a simple tap and it happens. It doesn't replace a mouse or trackpad; it brings a new level of efficiency to your workflow.

Similar to Touch Bar?

One shouldn’t really call it similar to the touch bar. (It’s worth noting that I haven't experienced a touch bar MacBook Pro.) A full iPad screen can't really be compared to a small touch screen strip across a laptop keyboard. I imagine that it's much more functional than the Touch bar since pads are fully customizable. Whereas Apple has some restrictions on what can be used for. you haven’t been writing from the first person perspective until now.

Pros

Quadro streamlines tasks down to single taps on a screen. Saving you from doing multiple mouse clicks. This is especially prevalent in Adobe programs and other professional applications.

The customization of icons and colors helps make each virtual button stand out from the others.

With the auto switch feature, you can switch to a different application and have the buttons change too.

It moves with you.

Cons

The app isn't very usable unless you purchase the annual pass. It’s not expensive, but definitely make use of your free trial to ensure Quadro would be of true value to you.

Connection via Quadros supplement app (available for Mac and Windows) can have a hard time connecting sometimes. Especially with Windows. Though these connection issues are not all that common.

Conclusion

For $14.99 per year, this app is sure to streamline even simple tasks. It works on iPhone and iPad and is not only functional but also beautiful. I recommend any creative person download it.